Cell Specification
Endothelial cells play multiple physiological functions and are central to many pathological processes. The liver contains two distinct endothelial cell types: vascular and sinusoidal. Sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) are microvascular endothelial cells with a unique phenotype reminiscent of dendritic cells and a unique function as antigen-presenting cells for CD4+ T cells. Thus, SEC represent a new type of organ-resident "non-professional" antigen-presenting cell that appears to be involved in the local control of the immune response and the induction of immune tolerance in the liver [1]. The hepatic microenvironment, i.e. portal venous constituents and soluble mediators from sinusoidal cell populations, tightly control antigen presentation by SEC to avoid immune-mediated damage. SEC express well-characterized surface receptors and differ morphologically and metabolically from large-vessel endothelia [3]. It has reported that SEC are dynamic regulators of porosity that respond rapidly and locally to environmental zonal stimuli during liver regeneration [2]. Due to its strategic position in the liver sinusoid, SEC dysfunction and structural alterations have far-reaching repercussions for the whole liver.

HHSEC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human liver. HHSEC are cryopreserved immediately after purification and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HHSEC are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to vWF/Factor VIII and P-CAM (CD-31). HHSEC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HHSEC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings in the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use endothelial cell medium (ECM, Cat. No. 1001) for the culturing of HHSEC in vitro.

Product Use
HHSEC are for research use only. It is not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage
Directly and immediately transfer cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen upon receiving and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until cell culture is needed for experiments.

Shipping
Dry ice.

Reference
[1] Limmer A, Knolle PA. (2001) Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells: a new type of organ-resident antigen-presenting cell. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 49 Suppl 1:S7-11.
[2]. Wack KE, Ross MA, Zegarra V, Sysko LR, Watkins SC, Stolz DB. (2001) Sinusoidal ultrastructure evaluated during the revascularization of regenerating rat liver. Hepatology 33(2):363-78.
[3]. Gervaz P, Scholl B, Mainguene C, Poitry S, Gillet M, Wexner S. (2000) Angiogenesis of liver metastases: role of sinusoidal endothelial cells. Dis Colon Rectum 43(7):980-6.